First Round State Playoffs ELCA-Union County
Analysis

First Round State Playoffs: ELCA-Union County


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Joe Raines2024 5-11 PG Joseph Raines – ELCA
A fiery competitor, Joseph Raines led by example in ELCA’s 66-60 win at Union County, advancing the Chargers to their first Sweet 16 berth since 2019. One of the smallest players on the floor, Raines has the heart of a lion. His energy is infectious, talking to the crowd and playing with a chip on his shoulder. Raines made plays on both sides of the ball. He was effective in the full court press, able to pick off passes and ignite fastbreaks. Listed at 5-foot-11, Joseph led all players in rebounds collecting 12 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. His quick bounciness allows him to compete around the rim and play bigger than his size. Aside from two free throws, all of Raines’ points came from within the arc. The Energizer Bunny is a tone setter.

2024 6-0 G Kam Warford – ELCA
I am a huge Kameron Warford fan. I absolutely love how hard he plays. Warford is a true stat sheet stuffer. His floor game is impressive, able to do a little bit of everything. Over the past two seasons, I’ve seen Warford play three times and he hasn’t disappointed. While he might not have one elite skill set or jump out at you physically with his size, the numbers he puts up don’t lie. In my three sittings, Kam has averaged 14.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 4.3 steals and 2 blocks per game. Against Union County, Warford had an explosive first quarter with nine points to spring the Chargers to a 26-14 lead they would never relinquish. Kam finished with 17 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. One of ELCA’s best shooters, Warford netted a corner three and hit three mid-range jumpers including a pull-up. Kameron scored twice on putbacks and ran the floor for a pair of transition hoops. The athletic southpaw is worth some late looks.

Ese Aigbokhae2025 6-7 C Ese Aigbokhae – ELCA
Union County had no answers for Ese inside. ELCA established Aigbokhae early on with the opening hoop of the game but then strayed away as the lead built but then dwindled in the second half. Once things tightened up in the fourth quarter, the Chargers went back to their mismatch and Aigbokhae delivered, scoring 10 of his 15 points in the final frame to pair with his 5 rebounds on the night. Most teams don’t have many options to stop Aigbokhae once he gets deep position. The big man is strong and has a nice touch around the rim. He scored six straight points after Union County cut the lead to 50-48 midway through the fourth quarter, netting a pair of three throws, scoring on a high-low look and tipping in a miss in traffic. Aigbokhae is a nice option for non-D-I programs.

Houston Henry2025 6-0 PG Houston Henry – Union County
The Panthers were shellshocked by the size and speed of ELCA, falling behind 16-3 in a blink. Union County began to slowly claw back into the game however behind their guard play. Henry wasn’t afraid of the Charger length and attacked the hoop consistently throughout the night. Houston scored on two drive with his left hand including an And-1 and finished a floater in traffic. Henry lived at the line, shooting 9-11. The savvy playmaker found cracks in the defense and exploited them with a quick first step and shifty footwork. Houston compiled 15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.

Jude Ellis2025 6-1 G Jude Ellis – Union County
Three balls had to fall in order for Union County to beat ELCA. The Panthers fell short 66-60 and mustered six threes, three via Jude Ellis. The junior led all scorers with 17 points, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. His physicality from the guard position along with his three-point range allowed Ellis to hurt the Chargers from multiple levels. He scored on an incredibly crafty And-1 eurostep, his toughest basket of the night. After the season ending loss, Ellis was in the gym working on his jumper with the lights turned off until he was kicked out by a custodian. The work is never done and the work Jude puts in doesn’t go unnoticed.